"It is very important to our students and their families that we keep our tuition affordable," said Guido M. Pichini, chairman of the Board of Governors and president of Berks County-based Security Guards Inc. "With this action today, PASSHE universities will continue to provide outstanding value, combining high-quality educational opportunities with the most affordable cost available."

The universities that make up the state system are located in Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester.

About 115,000 students attend the schools, and about 90 percent are from Pennsylvania.

The system is receiving nearly $413 million in state aid, the same amount as last year. Officials said that covers about one-quarter of the institutions' operating costs.

Copyright 2013 WFMZ. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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